Brain Imaging for Alzheimer’s Disease Detection

Brain imaging is one of several diagnostic tools used to help detect and monitor Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These advanced imaging techniques help specialists see changes in brain structure and function, such as amyloid plaque and tau tangle buildup, and patterns of brain cell loss. 

Imaging also helps identify other potentially treatable brain conditions, such as tumors or blood vessel changes, that might contribute to memory loss or thinking problems. 

At Banner Alzheimer’s Institute - a designated Memory Care Center of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health - specialists are world leaders in developing, validating and using advanced brain imaging to diagnose and study Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. 

How brain imaging helps 

In a clinical setting, brain imaging assists your doctor in: 

• Detecting structural and functional brain changes 
• Supporting or ruling out an Alzheimer’s diagnosis 
• Identifying other conditions that may explain cognitive symptoms 

In a research setting, brain imaging is helping scientists: 

• Detect and track brain changes years before symptoms appear 
• Evaluate new ways to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease 

Types of brain imaging used for Alzheimer’s diagnosis 

Your doctor will discuss which imaging test best fits your needs. The most common scans include MRI and PET scans. 

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) 

MRI uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of the brain. Banner Health uses advanced 3 Tesla (3T) MRI technology, which produces exceptionally detailed brain images. 

MRI can help identify: 

• Patterns of brain shrinkage (atrophy) linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases 
• White matter or blood vessel changes that affect brain function 
• Possible amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), a side effect sometimes associated with antibody treatments for amyloid plaques 
• Other treatable causes of memory and thinking problems, such as brain tumors or strokes 

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) 

PET scans use a tiny amount of a safe, radioactive tracer injected through an IV to show how the brain is working. The exposure is minimal and short-term. 

PET imaging helps visualize: 

• Amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease 
• Brain metabolism patterns that distinguish Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases 
• Dopamine levels, which can help identify Parkinson’s disease 
• Increased metabolism associated with malignant tumors 

PET scan types used for Alzheimer’s and related conditions 

FDG PET (Fluorodeoxyglucose PET) 

FDG PET measures how the brain uses glucose - its main energy source - to reveal patterns of reduced metabolism related to brain cell loss. 

Banner research has shown how FDG PET can: 

• Detect Alzheimer’s-related changes years before symptoms appear 
• Track disease progression 
• Help evaluate promising treatments and prevention strategies 

Clinicians can compare a person’s results with typical patterns of Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia or other conditions to clarify diagnosis. 

Amyloid PET 

Amyloid PET scans show amyloid plaque buildup, one of the brain changes required to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. 

Banner researchers helped lead national efforts that made this technology widely available. Their work demonstrated how amyloid PET can: 

• Detect and track Alzheimer’s progression 
• Support or rule out a diagnosis 
• Guide treatment decisions and family planning 
• Identify people who may benefit from new amyloid-reducing therapies 

Tau PET 

Tau PET scans measure the accumulation of tau tangles, the other key brain abnormality in Alzheimer’s disease. 

Banner researchers have: 

• Helped develop and validate tau PET technology 
• Played leading roles in advancing FDA approval and clinical use 

Although tau PET is less commonly used or reimbursed than amyloid PET, it can: 

• Support the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s 
• Provide insight into likely cognitive decline 
• Help families prepare for the future 

Tau PET is most often used in research and clinical trials to better understand how tau buildup relates to Alzheimer’s progression. 

Advancing care through imaging research 

The experts at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute are deeply involved in both clinical and research applications of brain imaging. Their work is helping patients receive the most complete and accurate diagnostic testing available today while driving innovations that will shape tomorrow’s Alzheimer’s care. 

If you’ve noticed changes in your memory or thinking - or in a loved one - don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist to discuss testing and next steps. 

Find an Alzheimer’s specialist near you.